San Bernardino County board expands funding for homelessness programs

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors last week OK’d approximately $1 million to expand programs that provide services for people experiencing homelessness.

The largest portion of the outlay is $779,000 for the Housing Stability and Landlord Partnership Program, which incentivizes land owners to rent to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, according to a county statement. The program enables landlords to offer prospective qualified tenants financial assistance and support services.

Supervisors also approved $50,000 for the Transportation Initiative, “which connects individuals experiencing homelessness with essential resources,” officials said. The resources include housing agencies, shelter locations, medical services, Social Security offices and job placement centers. Program participants also receive free transportation if they need assistance returning to their home communities.

The remaining expenditures were: 

• $25,000 to the Reentry and Restitution Program, which aims to help reduce housing barriers by addressing owed court fines and debts that hinder people who are unhoused from obtaining stable residences; and 

• $25,000 to the Pet Foster and Sheltering Program, which offers temporary care for pets while people experiencing homelessness transition to stable housing.

The funding is accrued interest from Round 1 and Round 2 of the California Emergency Solutions and Housing Program and Rounds 1 through 3 Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program, according to the county.

Officials said the fiscal move aligns with the Countywide Vision “by addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, to assist them in securing housing.”

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